This week the FCC proposed new rules that would speed up the deployment of next generation wired and wireless networks. All of this with the goal of getting more competition for home Internet and speeding up the deployment of 5G wireless Internet to wired devices and homes.
The FCC is hoping they can speed up the roll out of faster Internet services by removing some of the regulations at all levels that slow down new networks. The big change here will be removing limitations that prevent new ISPs from getting access to poles to add new lines.
The ability to add new lines to poles has been a major hold up for new networks, such as Google Fiber, which has filed several complaints around access to poles so they can wire new towns.
To make it easier for new networks to get access to run fiber to new cities the FCC has proposed the following:
- Reducing the charges for pole access.
- Establishing a time limit for consideration of pole attachment complaints.
- Setting a known rate formula for access to poles.
- Requiring reciprocal access between providers.
- Speeding up the replacement of copper lines.
- Reducing the requirements to maintain “outdated” equipment or legacy services.
Pay attention to the requirements to allow reciprocal access between providers. This means that one ISP cannot block a different ISP from using the same poles. This has been a big complaint of Google that current ISPs are delaying or blocking access to existing poles in their effort to offer fiber Internet. ()
What may not seem like a big deal to the end users but will help new ISPs is reducing the cost of pole access. Also setting a known formula for cost to access poles will help new ISPs. Now new ISPs will know the potential cost of getting access to run new lines to cities, helping new ISPs raise funds to expand.
Current new ISPs face difficulty due to the unknown costs they will face in wiring new markets. In the current model each city can charge wildly different costs for access to poles. A known cost will make it easier to run new fiber.
New Proposals to Speed Up the Growth of 5G
The FCC also has proposed ways to speed up the growth of wireless Internet including the new 5G standard that will offer fiber-like speeds wirelessly.
The FCC is looking at setting a timeline for cities and states to approve new towers. This new standard will force cities and states to respond to requests for approval of new wireless towers within a set timeframe or the new tower will be automatically approved.
“[T]he FCC takes bold steps toward speeding the deployment of small cell technologies, setting the stage for 5G innovation and deployment,” said Joan Marsh, AT&T SVP of federal regulatory.
Currently the timeframe to get approval for new towers can vary widely and sometimes gets dragged out because cities are busy with other issues. This new standard will force city and state governments to respond within a reasonable timeframe with a yes or no answer or face an automatic approval.
“CTIA is pleased that Chairman Pai and his fellow commissioners are moving forward to evaluate ways to modernize 5G wireless infrastructure deployment,” said VP of regulatory affairs Scott Bergmann. “The FCC has a clear path to remove regulatory barriers to new wireless infrastructure deployment, drive significant investment and job growth, and help deliver greater wireless connectivity for consumers and businesses.”
Internet access is the backbone of cord cutting. A faster, more robust Internet is needed to continue the growth of cord cutting. Thankfully it seems that the FCC is dedicated to improving the Internet backbone across America.
Source: MultiChannel News
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